'Unified' team beats Easton police and fire in charity game

A packed Oliver Ames High School gym cheered the Unified Basketball Team to a 48-34 victory over local police and firefighters Oct. 28 in Easton.

About 300 people attended the season finale, according to a community announcement, turning the game into a celebration of the school’s Unified Sports program and the student-athletes who participate in it.

Oliver Ames Unified Basketball brings students with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same 24-member team, coached by Kristin Marani, who also heads the school’s English Department.

“This game was a blast, and the atmosphere was amazing, just as we hoped,” Marani said. “We had a ton of fun. Being part of this team and being able to connect with our kids has been the absolute joy of my whole career. Thank you to everyone for the awesome turnout. And thank you especially to the Easton Police and Fire departments for taking part.”

Students packed the supporter section known as the “Tiger Pit,” remaining on their feet and joining the Oliver Ames High School Cheerleading Team in chants. Handmade signs with messages supporting the student-athletes covered the gym walls.

Players exchanged high-fives and encouragement throughout the 40-minute game as Marani cheered them from the sideline.

Unified Basketball program expands at Oliver Ames

The game capped the Unified Basketball Team’s third season. The team played eight games this season, double the four games it played last season.

Before basketball was added, Oliver Ames established its Unified Sports program with Unified Track. Unified Bocce is scheduled to join the program this winter.

Marani also recognized the team’s six seniors for their leadership.

“I’m really proud to have those six kids,” Marani said. “They’ve been absolutely unbelievable leaders.”

Before the game, team members honored Easton Public Schools employees who supported them during high school. The employees received gift bags and joined the players for a group photo. Players completing their final season also received bouquets of flowers.

The game raised money for the Oliver Ames Unified Sports program. Supporters bought 120 yellow “One Team” T-shirts before the event, and raffles were held during the game.

Easton police and firefighters join students on court

Craig Davidson, director of special services for Easton Public Schools, refereed the game.

“When we have events like this or Unified teams, it really brings so many different people together and builds a strong bond within our school community and our community at large,” Davidson said. “Thank you to our Easton Police and Fire departments. They have always, no pun intended, responded to our calls for support with fundraisers and events on campus.”

Deputy Police Chief Phil Adams said the event gives first responders an opportunity to connect with the community while having fun with the student-athletes.

“It’s really special,” Adams said. “It’s a great team-building event. It helps us get out in the community. It’s something we love to do, so it’s perfect for that. We haven’t been successful playing against the Unified Basketball Team yet, but maybe we’ll turn that around next time.”

Easton Fire Chief Justin Alexander also thanked the school for including firefighters in the event.

“Thanks to the school for continually inviting us and putting this on. It’s awesome,” Alexander said. “We like to give back. The kids absolutely love this event. You see the fun on the kids’ faces and how much of a great time they’re having. It makes it all worth it.”

Superintendent Crissy Pruitt described the game as an example of the connection between the schools and the wider community.

“Being able to see this collaborative atmosphere, where everyone’s coming together to support each other, is very unique to Easton Public Schools and the Easton community,” Pruitt said. “I’m forever grateful to our fire and police departments and our staff here in Easton Public Schools for the way they support each other.”

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This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: ‘Unified’ team beats Easton police and fire in charity game